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Innovative Bosch workers

Hardy GraupnerNovember 24, 2014

Employees of the German engineering giant Bosch have saved the company millions by submitting suggestions for improvements. Valuable proposals stand a good chance of being handsomely rewarded.

https://p.dw.com/p/1Ds86
Bosch washing machines
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Back in 1924, German engineer and company founder Robert Bosch launched what he called a suggestions book for associates which would play a major role in creating what has since become known as "ideas management programs" in the corporate world.

Looking back at 90 years of benefiting from its associates' innovative drive and resourcefulness, Bosch announced Monday it had saved some 395 million euros ($490 million) in the past 10 years alone thanks to suggestions from colleagues for improving the company's workflow, efficiency and environmental standards.

Last year, Bosch saved 33 million euros that way, with a total of 21,900 associates submitting proposals and the company paying out 7.7 million euros in reward for the suggestions.

Win-win situation

"The creativity of our associates continues to fuel our innovative strength," board member Christoph Kübel said in a statement on the firm's website. "Often small things that are beyond the scope of everyday tasks can make a big difference."

If suggested improvements are actually implemented and result in tangible cost cuts, associates can pocket rewards of up to 150,000 euros each. This happened recently with two employees who came up with an inexpensive way of cleaning pipes, considerably reducing downtime.

Industry 4.0 - The next industrial revolution

Bosch noted its Charleston location in the US had been particularly successful of late in its innovation drive while in Germany the Ansbach in Bavaria plant led the field with its best "ideas management."